Random Airline News

[Villaphan04]

Didn't know where exactly that this would fit in. 

Qatar Airways wishes to buy a piece of American Airlines. (I read on another site that Qatar has bought a 4.75% stake already-the max threshold of purchase without the board being involved at all- and wants to expand it up to the 10%)

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Qatar Airways raised eyebrows across the aviation industry this week when American Airlines announced the state-owned airline company had reached out to acquire at least a 10 percent stake in the U.S. company.

The overture, disclosed Thursday, sent American shares up 1.2 percent for the day. But in a letter to employees, American Airlines chief executive Doug Parker said he was puzzled by the Persian Gulf carrier’s interest given that the two airlines have been battling over the legitimacy of government subsidies.

“While anyone can purchase our shares in the open market, we aren’t particularly excited about Qatar’s outreach,” Parker wrote.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines and their unions sent an open letter to President Trump in March asking him to enforce trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar that are supposed to keep competition on a level playing field. The U.S. companies accuse Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways of operating with an unfair advantage by receiving large government subsidies from their native countries.

“Is this fake news?” asked Dennis Tajer, spokesman of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American’s pilots and wants trade agreements enforced. “The reaction was you have to be kidding me and why.”

On its website, Qatar Airways said it plans to make an initial investment of at least $808 million, or 4.75 percent in the company, which is the most American Airlines allows without advanced approval from its board. Earlier, the company suggested it would seek as much as a 10 percent stake.

“Qatar Airways sees a strong investment opportunity in American Airlines,” the company said in the statement. “Qatar Airways believes in American Airlines’ fundamentals and intends to build a passive position in the company with no involvement in management, operations or governance.”

Daniel McKenzie, an American Airlines analyst for the Buckingham Research Group, said in a report that “the investment is somewhat awkward given the US airline industry’s allegations of unfair trade practices by Middle Eastern carriers.”

But Qatar Airways’ interest could be seen as a way to strengthen its relationship with a major source of revenue because the United States is Qatar’s No. 1 destination and accounts for 8 percent of its overall flying, he wrote.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf could also play a role, analysts said. Qatar has been engaged in a diplomatic fight with next-door neighbor Saudi Arabia, which led Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to cut ties with Doha, Qatar’s capital, over claims that it supports extremist groups. 

“They just got blocked from flying to four countries,” said Samuel Engel, an aviation consultant and vice president at ICF. “Fourteen percent of their traffic came from those countries. Even if Qatar is able to repair that, that kind of event is a reminder that there is benefit to having a diversified portfolio.”

If Qatar actually invests, time will tell if the bet works out. History is not on the airline’s side.

“The history of minority investments in airlines that were strictly financial has not been very positive,” Engel said. “There have been few success stories. The minority investment doesn’t give you enough control with what your partner is doing. There’s not a lot of airlines pursuing that strategy globally.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/06/23/why-qatar-wants-to-buy-a-piece-of-american-airlines/?utm_term=.7128dd4674c5

This is really interesting for two reasons. First, the recent blockage of Qatar from some of the other countries in the Middle East makes the North American market very valuable for the airline. Second, the fierce opposition from the big airline companies from the U.S. to the Gulf carriers also will have an impact.

I hope that one of the things that comes from this is that the level of service that American provides will improve. 

[blandy]

Qatar airlines has a huge stake in a lot of European airlines already, and also in airports and such like. It's part of the country's diversification strategy. I guess this is part of the same, notwithstanding the current situation with Saudi etc.

[villakram]

It really is tough to explain to people who don't live here just how bad the air travel market in the US is... without getting really pissed off. Anything that could help open up the place to some of the modern airline culture in use elsewhere in the world would be most welcome.

It's a rotten to the core protected monopoly system over here right now.

[Villaphan04]

United is facing some more backlash from another incident.

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United Apologizes As Another Passenger Loses Seat, This One A Toddler

United Airlines is apologizing once again for giving up a passenger's paid seat in another embarrassing incident for an airline that had promised to do better by customers.

Shirley Yamauchi told Hawaii News Now that she was headed to a teachers' conference in Boston last week and took her son along, paying nearly $1,000 for his ticket.

Things went smoothly on the first leg of the trip from Hawaii to Houston. But as they awaited takeoff to Boston, a passenger who had been on standby approached her, saying her son was in his seat.

Yamauchi said she alerted a flight attendant about the issue, but the woman just shrugged and said it was a full flight.

In a statement issued to NBC News, United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said that the airline made a mistake.

"On a recent flight from Houston to Boston, we inaccurately scanned the boarding pass of Ms. Yamauchi's son. As a result, her son's seat appeared to be not checked in, and staff released his seat to another customer and Ms. Yamauchi held her son for the flight."

Yamauchi doesn't accept the explanation.

"I saw them zap both tickets. There was no issue, no problem," she told NBC News. "It just doesn't add up."

The incident also flew in the face of United's own policy requiring children older than 2 to have their own seat.

"I had to move my son onto my lap. He's 25 pounds. He's half my height. I was very uncomfortable. My hand, my left arm was smashed up against the wall. I lost feeling in my legs and left arm," Yamauchi told Hawaii News Now.

But despite the physical discomfort of the 3 1/2-hour flight, Yamauchi told the station that she didn't fight for her son's seat out of fear of retaliation.

"I started remembering all those incidents with United on the news. The violence. Teeth getting knocked out. I'm Asian. I'm scared and I felt uncomfortable. I didn't want those things to happen to me," she said.

THE TWO-WAY 

'It Was A Mistake Of Epic Proportions,' United CEO Testifies

Three months ago Dr. David Dao, who is also Asian-American, was dragged from his seat on a United flight, after refusing to give it up to airline staff. Videoof the incident went viral and spurred an international outcry. His lawyer said he suffered a concussion and a broken nose and teeth in the altercation.

The publicity nightmare spurred United to apologize and announce a series of changes, including a commitment to "not require customers seated on the plane to give up their seat involuntarily unless safety or security is at risk."

Airlines are still legally allowed to overbook flights.

Dao received a settlement from the airline, the terms of which are secret.

Guerin told NPR in a statement that the airline is reviewing the details of the incident. "This should not have happened. We sincerely apologize to Ms. Yamauchi and her son, and we are refunding their tickets and providing additional compensation," he said.

Yamauchi told NBC News that she does not agree with the compensation. "It doesn't seem right or enough for pain and discomfort."

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/07/06/535773208/united-apologizes-as-another-passenger-loses-seat-this-one-a-toddler

[Xela]

The sooner it is made illegal to overbook flights the better. 

I can't believe it happens. Its mental. 

[Villaphan04]

On 7/8/2017 at 16:03, Xela said:

The sooner it is made illegal to overbook flights the better. 

I can't believe it happens. Its mental. 

 

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United Airlines (UAL) is piloting new technology that could help reduce the number of people that get bumped off planes.

Starting this week, United is testing a Flex-Schedule Program that could prevent the airline from bumping passengers off oversold flights at the last minute. Instead of asking for volunteers in the boarding gate,  the proposed program would allow United to offer people compensation for changing their flight up to five days in advance. And other airlines are following suit.

The piloted program comes after United received a torrent of negative publicity for forcefully dragging a man off an overbooked flight in April. In the aftermath, the airline changed its policy to offer up to $10,000 for passengers to give up their seats at the last minute. The Flex-Schedule program could be just another tool to improve customer service.

“We are always looking at new ways to innovate and improve the customer experience and this extremely small test is an example of one of many opportunities we are reviewing,” a United spokesperson told Yahoo Finance. “United has already taken steps to reduce overbooking, resulting in a 90% year-over-year reduction of involuntary denied boarding for the month of June.”

A win for customers

As a traveler, the only thing you would have to do is wait for an email from United.

United’s computer system is able to look at bookings and flight trends to guesstimate if a plane will be full. If they believe the flight will be oversold, the airline could email select passengers, offering them seats on a flight with openings. To participate in the pilot program you have to be a MileagePlus member who has opted in to receive marketing emails from United.

If accepted, passengers will be rebooked within 24 hours and receive a voucher for up to $250. Travelers will never be asked to change their travel dates, airport or seat preferences.

Typically, an airline asks for volunteers to switch flights when passengers are already sitting in the boarding area. By using the Flex-Schedule program, someone with a more flexible itinerary will be able to accept the voucher without schlepping all his bags to the airport, through security and to their gate – only to be asked later if he can switch flights. This proactive approach could allow customers to feel like they have a little bit of control when it comes to their travel options.

Volantio, a company that works to optimize marketing and revenue for businesses in the travel industry, created the Flex Schedule software. The company essentially works as the middleman, helping airlines identify passengers who can be moved and then reaching out to them via text or email. It creates a bullpen of moveable candidates that the airline can use if needed. Volantio CEO Azim Barodawala sees his product as something that can transform the experience for both customers and airlines.

“Using technology to connect people is valuable for airlines, and the ability to move capacity from one place to another is pretty cool and could unlock some interesting revenue,” Barodawala told Yahoo Finance.

There are always customers who cancel or don’t show up for their itineraries, which is one of the reasons why airlines oversell flights. This can still happen. However, the Flex Schedule Program would allow United to sell those tickets to someone who needs it, like business travelers.  By charging more for those last-minute tickets, United could explore additional revenue. 

To airlines and beyond

United is piloting their Flex Schedule Program until August, but other airlines are following suit. Currently, Volantia is in discussions to work with Alaska Air in September and Qantas by October.

Looking forward, Barodawala sees potential for Volantia to be used in other travel industries.

For example, let’s say you have a family of four who booked a hotel in Orlando eight months in advance. A few months later, a company books a conference at the hotel and needs 10 rooms, but only 7 are available. Using Volantio, the hotel could reach out to the family, offer them compensation and promise to rebook them in a similar hotel within the chain.

“In some cases, the family just wants to be in Orlando, and may be indifferent to what hotel they stay in,” says Barodawala. “Starwood is a large chain with several properties in every city, so a service like this could work well for them.”

Barodawala also sees potential with cruise ships, which would be able to shift capacity from one boat to another, ensuring they are sailing with full ships.

It rarely benefits customers when airlines change rules. We don’t know what the future holds for United’s Flex-Schedule Program, but it’s refreshing to see a major airline trying something that doesn’t shortchange travelers.

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/united-testing-program-change-airlines-handle-overbooked-flights-213338011.html

Not sure if it has a very large impact but still it seems they are making steps in the right direction. 

[Villaphan04]

In other news, American is ending its 'relationships' with Qatar and Etihad.

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American Airlines ending code share agreements with Qatar, Etihad airlines

• American Airlines is ending code share agreements with Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways.
• American said the decision would not have a material financial impact.
• The move was made in opposition to the subsidies that the two airlines receive from the Gulf state, according to American.

20 Hours AgoReuters

 

 

Victor Fraile | Power Sport Images | Getty Images

Airbus A380-800, manufactured by Airbus SAS and operated by Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways.

American Airlines said Wednesday it is ending its code share agreements with Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways over an ongoing dispute about Gulf states' support for the carriers.

The airline said the decision would not have a material financial impact and "is an extension of our stance against the illegal subsidies that these carriers receive from their governments."

American and two other U.S. carriers argue that Gulf states are unfairly subsidizing state-owned carriers, driving down prices and crowding out competition on key routes, accusations those carriers deny.

 

Airlines more efficient than ever: New Constructs' David Trainer  22 Hours Ago | 03:20

The decision comes soon after Qatar Airways said it wanted to buy up to a 10 percent stake in American.

Etihad Airways is a flag carrier and the second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi. Qatar Airways is the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar.

Here is American's full statement:

In light of our ongoing dispute over the Open Skies agreements, American Airlines notified Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways on June 29 of our decision to terminate our codeshare relationships. Given the extremely strong public stance that American has taken on the ME3 issue, we have reached the conclusion that the codesharing relationships between American and these carriers no longer make sense for us. This decision has no material financial impact on American and is an extension of our stance against the illegal subsidies that these carriers receive from their governments. We are committed to doing everything we can to continue to support our team members and ensure that there is fair competition between American and the Gulf carriers.

 http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/12/american-airlines-ending-code-share-agreements-with-two-gulf-airlines.html

 

Qatar still is planning on purchasing 10% of American despite this news.

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Qatar Airways still pursuing American Airlines stake after code share hitch

 

Alana Wise, David Shepardson and Tom Finn

4 MIN READ

•  
•  

 

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker speaks to reporters after unveiling a commemorative signing wall in support of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha, Qata, July 13, 2017.Naseem Zeitoon

(Reuters) - Qatar Airways said it will go ahead with plans to buy a stake in American Airlines Inc (AAL.O) even though the U.S. carrier is ending their code-share agreement.

American announced on Wednesday that it was cancelling code-share agreements with Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways as "an extension of our stance against the illegal subsidies that these carriers receive from their governments." Both Middle East airlines deny they are state subsidized.

American's decision to end the agreements which allow airlines to book passengers on each other's flights, ramps up an acrimonious dispute between U.S. carriers and Gulf competitors over competitive advantages.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said on Thursday he was disappointed by the decision, but it would not affect the Middle East carrier's plans to buy up to a 10 percent stake in American, announced last month.

"Our stock purchase request and filing is going ahead as normal. We had to clarify certain questions of the regulator, which we compiled with," al-Baker told reporters in Doha.

Qatar Airways sent a revised antitrust filing to U.S. regulators on Wednesday seeking clearance to buy up to a 10 percent stake in the U.S. carrier, according to the filing.

A stake in American would add to Qatar Airways' investment portfolio, which already includes a 20 percent stake in British Airways-owner International Airlines Group (ICAG.L) and 10 percent of South America's LATAM LAN.SN.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, however, said in a letter to his employees last month that "We aren't particularly excited about Qatar's outreach" and that it was puzzling given the U.S. carrier's very public stance on state support given to Gulf carriers.

"Anti-Consumer"

 

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker is seen during a commemorative signing wall event in support of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha, Qatar, July 13, 2017.Naseem Zeitoon

American and other U.S. carriers have charged that state subsidies allow Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates [EMIRA.UL] to offer lower fares and more amenities to long-haul, international travelers.

They are pressing the United States government to curb the Middle Eastern carriers' access to U.S. airports, and the White House is considering their request, according to government officials and airline executives who have spoken to the White House.

Al-Baker said American's decision to end the code-share agreement was "not in the spirit of the one world alliance" and that Qatar Airways had other partners in the United States "who want to work with us."

Qatar Airways, American Airlines, IAG's British Airways, Iberia and LATAM are all members of the one world airline alliance.

Al-Baker previously said Qatar Airways would buy American shares on the open market before formally seeking board approval from the U.S. carrier to increase its ownership. 

The U.S. airline's own rules require advance approval from its board for the purchase of a stake of 4.75 percent or more.

American said on Wednesday that cancelling code-sharing agreements with Qatar Airways and Etihad would not have a material financial impact for the U.S. carrier.

Etihad, which flies to six U.S. cities, accused American of being “anti-competitive” and “anti-consumer" and said it was disappointed with the decision.

An interline relationship between Etihad and American, which allows customers from two airlines to buy connecting flights on one ticket, would remain in place to connect passengers to secondary markets, an Etihad spokeswoman said.

Reporting by David Shepardson and Alana Wise, Reporting by Tom Finn in Doha; Additional reporting by Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Editing by Leslie Adler and Susan Fenton

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-american-airline-codesharing-idUSKBN19X2V3

[NoelVilla]

I was on an overbooked flight with Lufthansa a few weeks ago. No problem whatsoever. Think they offered 250 euros to the two who took a later flight. There is a difference between the professionality of airlines.

[Xela]

18 hours ago, NoelVilla said:

I was on an overbooked flight with Lufthansa a few weeks ago. No problem whatsoever. Think they offered 250 euros to the two who took a later flight. There is a difference between the professionality of airlines.

Still think it is a very shady business. You have 200 seats on the flight, don't sell 220 tickets and hope 20 people don't turn up.

I booked my flight to Hamburg 6 months before the flight, went to check in on the day - "Sorry sir, you are on the reserve list as the flight is fully booked". I got on but I was fuming. It was a 2 night trip (lads weekend) and there were no other flights out that day so if I hadn't have got on It would have been pointless going the next day. Plus I'd paid for my hotel room.

 

 

[Villaphan04]

Quote

Air Berlin Files for Insolvency as Etihad Pulls Funding Plug

By 

Richard Weiss

August 15, 2017, 7:19 AM EDT August 15, 2017, 1:32 PM EDT

• German carrier will continue flying with help of state loans
• Lufthansa in talks to buy parts of its discount rival

Air Berlin Plc filed for insolvency after leading shareholder Etihad Airways PJSCwithdrew its financial support, marking the second failure of a major European airline in four months after the Persian Gulf carrier pulled the plug on funding Italy’s Alitalia SpA in May.

While Air Berlin, which has 8,600 staff, will continue flying with the help of a government loan likely to last it until mid-November, Tuesday’s filing puts German jobs at risk weeks before German Chancellor Angela Merkel stands for re-election. Deutsche Lufthansa AG said it may buy parts of its biggest national rival.

Air Berlin has racked up more than 2.7 billion euros ($3.2 billion) of losses in a little over six years and has net debt of 1.2 billion euros. Etihad bought a 29 percent stake in 2012 as part of a plan to feed more passengers through its Abu Dhabi hub by building a network of minority investments, a strategy that it is now unraveling after itself suffering losses of $1.87 billion in 2016.

 

“Etihad has notified Air Berlin of the fact that it will not provide any further financial support,” the Berlin-based carrier said in a statement, adding that the move has led it to conclude that there is “no longer a positive continuation prognosis.” Etihad’s two board representatives have resigned.

Air Berlin’s Magnificent Flying Cash Burn Machine: Gadfly

Air Berlin shares fell as much as 51 percent and closed 34 percent lower at 51 cents in Frankfurt, valuing the company at 59.6 million euros. Its 170 million euros of bonds due May 2019 fell 33 cents on the euro to a record low of 20 cents, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Lufthansa rose 4.7 percent, the most in five months.

Etihad said that it withdrew funding after Air Berlin’s operations deteriorated at an “unprecedented pace” in recent months. The state-owned Mideast carrier’s links to Germany, which include a code-share agreement with Lufthansa, remain important and it is ready to assist in finding a “commercially viable” solution for Air Berlin, according to an emailed release.

Lufthansa and another unidentified airline are “far advanced” with plans for a partial rescue and a deal could be finalized in coming weeks, Air Berlin and Germany’s economic ministry said in separate statements. The government is supporting the process by providing a 150-million-euro bridging loan through its Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau development bank.

Lufthansa is keen on acquiring Air Berlin assets including still-solvent Austrian leisure arm Niki, while EasyJet Plc has expressed an interest in other parts of the business, including German short-haul operations, people familiar with the talks said. Some of Air Berlin’s operations may not find any takers and could be shut, the people said, adding that talks are evolving and no final decisions have been reached. EasyJet declined to comment.

Air Berlin already has links to Lufthansa, once its arch-rival, following an agreement to lease out part of its 144-strong aircraft fleet to Europe’s third-biggest airline group. Ryanair Holdings Plc said the situation is being “set up” for a takeover by Lufthansa which would breach antitrust rules while pushing up fares for consumers. The Irish carrier said it has lodged complaints with Germany’s Federal Cartel Office and the European Commission.

Air Berlin submitted the insolvency filing in a local Berlin court, though it said it won’t seek bankruptcy protection for Niki and the Leisure Cargo GmbH units. Plans to merge Niki with TUI AG’s German division fell apart in June when Etihad said no agreement had been reached.

After the filing Air Berlin creditors will have to forgo parts of their investment, German Economy Minister Brigitte Zypries said in Berlin, predicting that the carrier will also need to offload some landing rights in the city. The government loan should keep it flying for about three months, she added.

Air Berlin has “almost no tangible assets” on its balance sheet, with all of its planes now leased rather than owned, Tony Lebon, a credit analyst at Oddo BHF in Paris, said by phone. “There might still be some value in the slots.” That suggests a “very low” recovery rate for its bonds, he said.

The airline began operations from West Berlin in 1978 with one leased Boeing Co. 707. Because only Allied aircraft were allowed there at the time it was founded in Oregon by Kim Lundgren, a U.S. pilot who had previously flown for Pan American World Airways.

Following German reunification in 1990 Air Berlin embraced the low-cost model being developed by Ryanair and EasyJet. While the company went public in 2006 it was unable to keep pace with the discount specialists and struggled to win market share from Lufthansa in Germany. It responded by adding long-haul flights via the takeover of unprofitable LTU and adopting a hybrid business model pitched somewhere between full-service and low-cost operations.

In the short term, tour operators TUI and Condor, the German arm of Thomas Cook Group Plc, should benefit from Air Berlin’s insolvency, as should Lufthansa’s Eurowings discount division, according to Daniel Roeska, an analyst at Sanford C. Bernstein & Co.

“It is very unlikely that any third-party holiday company would be willing to use Air Berlin for packages leaving this winter or next summer,” Roeska wrote in a note. “Similarly, while it is in bankruptcy proceedings, no passengers will likely book on a seat-only basis.”

Rome-based Alitalia began bankruptcy proceedings for the second time in a decade on May 2 after workers rejected a 2 billion-euro refinancing plan involving 1,600 job losses. Etihad’s then-chief James Hogan said his company wouldn’t carry on in investing without the support of all stakeholders.

Hogan has since left Etihad, which last month also announced that it was exiting another so-called Equity Alliance partner with the sale of a stake in Swiss regional carrier Darwin to Slovenia’s Adria Airways.

— With assistance by Thomas Seal, Luca Casiraghi, Heather Burke, Birgit Jennen, and Eyk Henning

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-08-15/air-berlin-files-for-insolvency-after-etihad-withdraws-support

[Xela]

Looks like Monarch are on the brink

And Ryanair deserve to be!

[Villaphan04]

Digging out this thread.

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The historic agreement will be the first of its kind ever between the EU and a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state

DOHA, Qatar – Today, European Commissioner for Mobility and Transport, Mrs. Violeta Bulc, announced that the European Union and the State of Qatar have concluded negotiations for a landmark Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

The State of Qatar and the European Union today announced that they have concluded negotiations for a landmark Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement.

This historic agreement will be the first of its kind ever between the EU and a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member state, providing a significant competitive edge to air carriers of both sides and a sustainable framework for future operations. As a result, all air carriers from the 28 European Union member states and Qatar now have unlimited and unrestricted access to their respective territories.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Through these negotiations, both sides have demonstrated that positive engagement can build trust among nations, so they can embrace the benefits of competition. Our hope is that the success of these negotiations will encourage other trading blocs and significant aviation markets to join in achieving a liberalised global aviation regime for future generations.

“The agreement will offer a common platform for airlines in Europe and Qatar to understand each other better, creating new opportunities for collaboration and cooperation.”

“We approach the principle of fair competition very simply: fair access to markets, competing for market share based on products and services of what the customer wants and is willing to purchase.”

European Commission Director General Mobility and Transport, Mr. Henrik Hololei, said: “We are very pleased to have concluded our negotiations with the State of Qatar here in Doha today. Thanks to the strong commitment of all parties, we have managed to reconcile our differences and found common ground through honest engagement and open dialogue.”

As part of this agreement, the State of Qatar and the EU have taken bold steps by agreeing to articles on: fair competition, environment, consumer protection, social aspects, and transparency, as well as the inclusion of a doing-business provision, which exempts EU carriers from the obligation to hire a local General Sales Agent in Qatar.

Through this historic agreement, which was announced during the CAPA Qatar Aviation, Aeropolitical and Regulatory Summit in Doha, the State of Qatar has demonstrated once again that despite the ongoing intra-regional geopolitical tensions due to the illegal blockade imposed on the nation, it remains a leader on the global stage.

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of more than 230 aircraft via its hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA) to more than 160 destinations worldwide. 

A multiple-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Business Class Seat’, ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, and ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’. 

Qatar Airways has launched an array of exciting new destinations recently, including Gothenburg, Sweden; Mombasa, Kenya and Da Nang, Vietnam. The airline will add a number of new destinations to its extensive route network in 2019, including Malta, as well as many more.

 

Notes to Editors:

About Qatar Airways: 

Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is celebrating more than 20 years of Going Places Together with travellers across its more than 160 business and leisure destinations on board a modern fleet of more than 230 aircraft. The world’s fastest-growing airline added a number of exciting destinations to its growing network including Gothenburg, Sweden; Da Nang, Vietnam; and Mombasa, Kenya in 2018, and several new destinations are due to be launched this year, including Malta, as well as many more.

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Business Class’ by the 2018 World Airline Awards, managed by international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. It was also named ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’, ‘World’s Best First Class Airline Lounge’ and ‘Best Business Class Seat’, in recognition of its ground-breaking Business Class experience, Qsuite. Qatar Airways has been awarded the coveted “Skytrax Airline of the Year” title, which is recognised as the pinnacle of excellence in the airline industry, four times.

Qsuite, a patented Qatar Airways product, features the industry’s first-ever double bed in Business Class, as well as privacy panels that stow away, allowing passengers in adjoining seats to create their own private room, a first of its kind in the industry.

Qatar Airways was the first Gulf carrier to join global airline alliance oneworld, enabling its passengers to benefit from more than 1,000 airports in more than 150 countries, with 14,250 daily departures.

Oryx One, Qatar Airways’ in-flight entertainment system offers passengers up to 4,000 entertainment options from the latest blockbuster movies, TV box sets, music, games and much more. Passengers flying on Qatar Airways flights served by its B787, B777, A350, A380, A319 and select A320 and A330 aircraft can also stay in touch with their friends and family around the world by using the award-winning airline’s on-board Wi-Fi and GSM service.

Qatar Airways proudly supports a range of exciting international and local initiatives dedicated to enriching the global community that it serves. Qatar Airways, the official FIFA partner, is the official sponsor of many top-level sporting events, including the FIFA 2022 World Cup, reflecting the values of sports as a means of bringing people together, something at the core of the airline’s own brand message - Going Places Together.

Qatar Airways Cargo, one of the world’s leading international air cargo carriers, serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its world-class Doha hub and also delivers freight to more than 160 key business and leisure destinations globally on more than 200 aircraft. The Qatar Airways Cargo fleet includes two Boeing 747-8 freighters, 15 Boeing 777 freighters and eight Airbus A330 freighters.

 For further information, please contact:

Qatar Airways Group, Corporate Communications Department

Tel: +974 4022 2200

 

 

 

https://www.qatarairways.com/en/press-releases/2019/February0/qatar-and-the-european-union-conclude-negotiations-on-landmark-c.html?activeTag=Press-releases&CID=SMALL0678502232000000001105

Edited February 6, 2019 by Villaphan04

[Seat68]

I have flights booked with Thomas Cook Airlines, as with every major purchase the flights were paid for initially on a credit card. Simon Calder says that they are perfectly safe. That said would be interested to see others opinion on Thomas Cools latest woes. Particularly but not limited to @tonyh29

The FT is reporting that they are filing for Chapter 15, potentially to push through the Forsun investment. 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.ft.com/content/c495f92e-d954-11e9-8f9b-77216ebe1f17

Quote

Thomas Cook, the UK tour operator, has filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection in the US to safeguard itself against legal action by US debtholders.

The company is trying to secure a £900m rescue deal to keep it from going under before it hits its cash-low winter period. The filing, on Tuesday, gives UK law primacy over the company’s bonds held in the US, which should allow it to proceed with its planned restructuring.

My main problem if they do go to the wall is we got Premier Class flights to Vegas in June at a steal. 

[tonyh29]

I think you're only covered by ATOL if you booked it as a package holiday  , if you booked flights only you don't always get that protection ... Consumer credit Act is probably where you need to look for your money back

but I got the impression TC are doing this move to secure new owners and your holiday should still go ahead as planned

[KHV]

I'm due out with Thomas Cook tomorrow at 6am 

[BennettVilla]

8 hours ago, KHV said:

I'm due out with Thomas Cook tomorrow at 6am 

Not looking promising mate  got a few friends working for them, one meant to be flying out of brum tomorrow morning, he's not too hopeful he will be needed for work in the morning. 

 

[Seat68]

They have gone to the wall. Will start the procedure to get my money back via the CC company this morning. 

[Wainy316]

What is it that causes airlines to lose so much money?  Tickets aren't exactly cheap and there's a constant stream of flyers?

[BennettVilla]

21 minutes ago, Wainy316 said:

What is it that causes airlines to lose so much money?  Tickets aren't exactly cheap and there's a constant stream of flyers?

I think a big hindrance for Thomas cook is that a large percentage of their bookings were made through their own shops. High street travel agents seem to be a dying breed. 

Also increased competition and not developing anything unique in their brand. 

That along with many other things I’m sure!

[tonyh29]

21 hours ago, KHV said:

I'm due out with Thomas Cook tomorrow at 6am 

bummer , hope you at least get your money back